Diane Benson is as multi-faceted as the state she lives in; driving tractor-trailers on the pipeline one decade and co-producing films and videos on Alaska’s issues and history the next - and then making her own history when she ran for Congress in 2006 winning over 41% of the vote.
Diane was one of the first women truck drivers on the Trans Alaska Pipeline. While reality TV show “Ice Road Truckers” may seem like a novelty in the lower 48, Diane helped blaze the trail for women Teamsters working on the line, and continued on in the 1980's as a concrete mixer driver in Anchorage. Known for her courage, she quickly made a name for herself and is remembered for her tenacious spirit in the Alaskan trucking industry.
In the 1990’s, Diane ran her own business, Northern Stars Talent Agency, promoting Alaska’s talent in film and commercials nationally and internationally. She received significant recognition from the Mayor, the State Legislature, and the International Committee for her success and leadership with the 1996 Arctic Winter Games held in Chugiak-Eagle River.
Diane continues to blaze trails; sharing the story of civil rights leader Elizabeth Peratrovich, that culminated into the movie, "FOR THE RIGHTS OF ALL", (a PBS Documentary); tenaciously addressing issues of violence and child sexual assault: and making history by acquiring over 41% of the vote, as one of only three to do so in 33 years of opponents running for the Congressional seat.
Diane is an adjunct professor, writer and proud graduate of Alaska’s own university system. Diane has a lifetime of service on many boards and committees, and continues serving through her work as Anchorage Municipal Commissioner on the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Commission, Alaska Veterans Foundation, and the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce Military Committee.
She is an elected delegate to the Tlingit and Haida Central Council, past two-term President of the Alaska Native Sisterhood, Camp 87, and an active member of the National Congress of American Indians Veterans Committee.
Diane is the mother of Sgt. Latseen Benson who served in the Iraq war until he suffered a combat-related injury. Later, the months she spent at Walter Reed Army Medical with her son and visiting with other injured troops in Washington, D.C. motivated her to run for Congressional office in 2006. Diane has never weakened her resolve to work on behalf of veterans and military families.
